Group Travel

Travel with confidence knowing that BBYO organizes supervised group flights to and from Europe. Our staff are present at departure airports to greet teens and help them feel welcome right away, and they accompany each group throughout the journey—both on arrival and on the return trip home. To learn more about how we organize travel for our programs, click here.

Scottish Highlands, Scotland (3 Days)

Towering mountains, beautiful lochs, and historic castles make the Scottish Highlands one of the most spectacular regions of the United Kingdom. Take in the region's rugged landscapes while visiting Scone Palace, known for its connections to Scottish royalty, and challenge yourself to navigate its beautiful hedge maze. Surrounded by rolling hills, ancient landmarks, and breathtaking scenery, you'll experience a side of Scotland far beyond its famous cities.

The legendary waters of Loch Ness offer another opportunity to experience Scotland's natural beauty. Cruise across the mysterious loch while keeping an eye out for the famous Loch Ness Monster, and explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle overlooking the water. Learn about the region's fascinating history while taking in incredible views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.

Put your skills to the test during a private Highland Games experience, inspired by traditional Scottish competitions and celebrations. Enjoy some friendly competition with your group while learning about the customs that have been part of Scottish culture for generations. There's also plenty of outdoor adventure to enjoy, including kayaking and hiking in the spectacular landscapes surrounding Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. With so much natural beauty to explore, the Highlands offer endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors together.

Edinburgh, Scotland (2 Days)

Edinburgh's medieval streets, beautiful architecture, and imposing castle tell the story of Scotland's fascinating past. Visit Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city, and learn about the people and events that helped shape the country's royal and military history. Walk along the famous Royal Mile, where centuries-old buildings, charming shops, and historic landmarks create one of Scotland's most recognizable streets.

Discover more about Scotland's history through a visit to the National Wallace Monument, dedicated to William Wallace and the country's struggle for independence. From its elevated position, take in sweeping views of the surrounding countryside while learning about an important chapter in Scottish history.

One of the most distinctive experiences in Edinburgh brings together Scottish culture and Jewish identity. Meet a local Jewish kiltmaker and discover how two cultural traditions can intersect in unexpected ways. Celebrate Shabbat in Scotland's historic capital, sharing familiar traditions and meaningful moments with fellow Jewish teens while experiencing Jewish life in another part of the world.

Liverpool, England (1 Day)

Liverpool is famous for its music, waterfront, and lively cultural scene, but few names are more closely connected to the city than the Beatles. Learn about the band's beginnings and the incredible influence their music has had around the world through experiences celebrating their legacy. Enjoy the atmosphere of this historic English city while discovering the stories behind one of the most recognizable groups in music history.

Football is another important part of British culture, and nearby Manchester offers an opportunity to experience that passion firsthand. Visit Manchester United's legendary stadium, Old Trafford, and learn about the history of one of the world's most famous football clubs. A visit to a local Manchester synagogue also offers a glimpse into Jewish life in northern England, where established Jewish communities have contributed to the region's cultural and religious traditions for generations.

London, England (2 Days)

From royal history and famous landmarks to lively neighborhoods and cultural attractions, London is packed with places to experience. Step inside the historic Tower of London, a fortress that has served as a royal palace, prison, and home to the Crown Jewels. Take in the city's remarkable architecture and explore the streets of central London, where centuries of British history meet the energy of a modern global city.

See the capital from above on the London Eye, where sweeping views stretch across the River Thames and the city's famous skyline. Spend time in Covent Garden, known for its bustling market atmosphere, street performers, shops, and historic surroundings. Along the Thames, discover Greenwich, a neighborhood known for its maritime heritage and beautiful waterfront setting.

England's academic traditions also come to life during a visit to Oxford, home to one of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities. Walk through its historic streets and admire the centuries-old college buildings that have welcomed generations of students and scholars. Between London's famous attractions, Oxford's beautiful architecture, and the adventures shared throughout Scotland and England, United Kingdom Discovery offers a remarkable look at the history, traditions, and culture of Britain.

How will my teen travel to the program?
BBYO strongly recommends all North American participants to fly on the group supervised flight for this program. Flight costs are not included in the program’s land cost. The flight cost for programs with supervised flight options will be announced, along with the flight booking details for all programs, after registration. The supervised flight for this program will depart from the New York City area, typically Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Learn more about flying to the program .

Where will my teen be sleeping?
The group stays in a variety of 3-star hotels. When booking our accommodations, we request for each teen to have their own sleeping accommodations in a shared living space. On a rare occasion, your teen may share a large bed with another teen of the same gender. We try to avoid this as best as possible, but sometimes have limitations due to hotel space.

How is the program staffed?
Each group is accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors), a local European tour leader, and a bus driver. Senior field staff also circulate between our groups for extra support. Staff names are sent out approximately 2–3 weeks prior to your departure as part of the pre-trip preparation emails. Staff are asked to make welcome calls to teens before departure. Feel free to ask them any remaining questions you may have. Learn more about our staff team.

What's the summer weather like?
Summer in the United Kingdom is generally mild, although temperatures and weather conditions can vary considerably between Scotland and England. Daytime temperatures typically range from the 50s and 60s in the Scottish Highlands to the 60s and 70s in cities such as Edinburgh, Liverpool, and London. Warmer days are possible, particularly in southern England.

Rain showers can occur throughout the summer, and conditions in Scotland's mountains can change quickly. Temperatures at higher elevations may be significantly colder than in the surrounding towns and cities.

We recommend packing comfortable layers, a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes suitable for hiking, and clothing for both outdoor adventures and city exploration. A sweatshirt or fleece is especially useful for cooler evenings and mountain activities.

How do you approach security?

The safety of the teens under our care is our guiding consideration. Learn more about our organization’s approach to safety and security.

What's the typical group size?
Group sizes vary by departure and program enrollment. Our Europe programs typically include approximately 34–42 teens per bus, with participants joining from communities across North America.

Some teens may also be participating in connecting programs that combine two separate BBYO Passport experiences. For more information about group assignments and friend requests, please visit our General Travel FAQs.

What's the food like?
The United Kingdom offers a variety of culinary traditions, and teens will have opportunities to try local favorites throughout the program. From traditional Scottish dishes and hearty British classics to popular international cuisines found in cities like Edinburgh, Liverpool, and London, meals offer another way to experience the culture of each destination.

As a travel-based program, our meals take a variety of forms and may include hotel buffets, restaurants, catered meals, and allowance funds for participants to purchase a meal on their own. When a meal is served in a public buffet format (e.g. hotel breakfast), we will always ensure that there are vegetarian, pescatarian, or dairy options available and we will not restrict teens from eating the food of their choice.

Some meals may be provided via a cash allowance where teens will be given money to purchase the food of their choice, called a pizur meal. Such meals are typically arranged in an area where there are multiple restaurant options and teens can choose the food of their liking. When time is limited for meal choice, staff may choose to facilitate meal orders on behalf of teens using their allowance funds.

Participants with special dietary needs (i.e. lactose intolerance, gluten-free, kosher, etc.) should review our dietary restrictions commitment document and contact us in advance to be sure we can accommodate your needs during the program.

Will I need a visa?
Visa and travel authorization requirements depend on a participant's nationality and passport. U.S. citizens generally do not require a visa for short tourist visits to Switzerland, Austria, or Italy, but additional entry requirements may apply.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) may also be required for eligible travelers once implemented. Families should review the latest requirements on the official European Union ETIAS website and confirm that their teen's passport meets all applicable entry requirements before departure.

What are the payment and cancellation terms?
All of these details are available here: Enrollment and Registration Terms.

How do I enroll my teen if we live outside of North America?
Visit this page to find all the information you will need and express your interest.

For more information, check out our general FAQs or the pre-trip guide.